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IDC Launches Most Comprehensive Study of eBusiness Ever

FRAMINGHAM, MA – FEBRUARY 9, 2001 – According to IDC forecasts, over the next four years businesses around the world will invest over $5 trillion in developing and running ebusinesses. To better understand the nature of this investment and as part of its commitment to providing clients with the foremost global market insight and intelligence available in the industry, IDC will launch eWorld 2001, the most comprehensive study of Internet and ebusiness adoption around the world. Based upon over 13,000 surveys with three audiences – CIO/IT managers, ebusiness executives, and consumers – from 27 countries, eWorld’s coverage extends to more than 95% of the Internet economy.

"Preliminary results indicate significant investments are being made not only in developing and upgrading Web sites, but in automating employees and integrating core business systems with Web sites," said John Gantz, IDC’s chief research officer. "According to early respondents, the most important criteria for ecommerce Web sites is ease of use followed by privacy concerns and speed. The most difficult aspect of site operation seems to be finding and retaining IT talent followed by integration with existing infrastructure and security of electronic transaction."

eWorld 2001 is an entirely new study of ebusiness around the world. It will include data on penetration of Web access and usage activities, home page deployment, localization of Web sites, and simple demographics. Fully projectable across countries, regions, industries, and size classes, eWorld 2001 will provide actionable insights upon which vendor and financial organizations can build business plans, develop investment strategies, and allocate resources. The project is scheduled to be complete in May. For more information about eWorld 2001, visit http://www.idc.com/eworld2001/.

About IDC

IDC is the foremost global market intelligence and advisory firm helping clients gain insight into technology and ebusiness trends to develop sound business strategies. Using a combination of rigorous primary research, in-depth analysis, and client interaction, IDC forecasts worldwide markets and trends to deliver dependable service and client advice. More than 700 analysts in 43 countries provide global research with local content. IDC's customers comprise the world’s leading IT suppliers, IT organizations, ebusiness companies, and the financial community. Additional information can be found at www.idc.com.

IDC is a division of IDG, the world's leading IT media, research, and exposition company.

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